Responding to a question from a CNN reporter about Trump's recent sparring with Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a Civil Rights leader, King said that "in the heat of emotion, a lot of things get said on both sides."

He recalled his father as being a "bridge-builder" and said that his and Trump's goal must be to "bring America together."

"We are a great nation but we must be a greater nation," he said.

King III's cousin, Dr. Alveda King told Neil Cavuto that no American is an "echo" but that we "are all voices", and said that King Jr. would have "encouraged" resolving disagreements like Trump's and Lewis' in a "peaceful discussion."